Microsoft is latest corporate to back London's Cycle Superhighway plan

The CEO of Microsoft UK joins 120 other businesses urging Transport for London to build protected cycle infrastructure.

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Michel Van Der Bel, the CEO of Microsoft UK, has given his support to the Mayor of London’s plans to build two new Cycle Superhighways.

Microsoft joins over 120 employers who have sent letters of support for the Cycle Superhighways – including RBS, Unilever, Orange, Deloitte, Coca-Cola, the Financial Times, and law firms Olswang, Allen & Overy, and Herbert Smith Freehills.

The two superhighways will join up existing and planned cycle routes and will have the capacity to move 6,000 people each hour; the equivalent of 20 extra tube trains or an 82 additional London buses.

Van Der Bell wote a letter of support to campaign group CyclingWorks.London: “Other cities that have invested in segregated cycling infrastructure have seen dramatic increases in cycling and reductions in injuries as a consequence. We want to see the same benefits here in London.”

Microsoft employ 2,200 people across five London offices.

A recent YouGov poll of over 1,000 Londoners from all backgrounds found massive support for the cycling plans, with 73 percent of residents in favour, even after learning that a lane of motor traffic will be reallocated to cycles.

Transport for London estimate approximately 600,000 cycle journeys take place in London every day. Bicycles now make up a quarter of all traffic in central London during the morning rush hour and half of all northbound traffic on Southwark, London, Blackfriars, and Waterloo bridges.

Chris Kenyon of CyclingWorks.London said:

“One business after another has come out to say how important these Cycle Superhighway plans are to them. It’s not just about keeping their existing staff and customers safe, many of whom already cycle. They also want to attract the best new talent to work and live here in London.

"The Mayor should take the support of these companies as a signal to build his Cycle Superhighways without delay.”

Businesses in London's West End and wider theatre district have voiced their support too, including Royal Opera House, Shakespeare's Globe theatre, the Young Vic. The proposals are popular with Londoners too, with a YouGov poll finding 73 per cent want the extra space for cycling.